Your immune system is what helps the body fight off illness so you stay well. Maitake mushrooms have been consumed for centuries to give the immune system the help it needs. Now you can enjoy their benefits year round in supplement form.

But how does it work?

Maitake Mushrooms 101
The maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa) is a large type of edible mushroom native to Japan. They've been a valuable source of nourishment in Asia for thousands of years, becoming a core part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The extract of these mushrooms available as a supplement is known as maitake D-fraction, which is said to be the most beneficial for health and wellness. This extract contains beta glucan, a type of polysaccharide found naturally within maitake mushrooms that is the compound responsible for its nutritional benefits.

Maitakes for Immunity
Maitake mushrooms have long been consumed to support overall health and wellness. They're said to strengthen the immune system, assisting the body in fighting off pathogens and other threats of infection that can lead to illness.

These immunity-boosting benefits have led some to recommend maitake mushrooms as a possible treatment for cancer patients to reduce their risk for infection and improve side effects of chemotherapy. It has also been suggested maitake mushrooms can inhibit tumor growth. A 2003 study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found maitake mushroom extract (maitake D-fraction), boosted natural killer (NK) cell activity in cancer patients, thus slowing further metastatic progress of cancer cells. More research will need to be conducted with humans to determine the exact action of maitake D-fraction in the human body in relation to cancer tumors.

Lastly, maitake mushroom has been shown to lower blood sugar and also support healthy blood pressure. These benefits have been seen in published animals studies such as a this one from 2007 published in Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry.

Maitake Mushroom Supplements
We carry maitake mushroom supplements in a variety of strengths. You can take it in capsule, tablet and even liquid form. Maitake teas are also available. Maitake mushroom is often combined with other medicinal mushrooms, like shiitake, in teas and supplements to enhance its benefits.

Maitake mushrooms aren't known to have any harmful side effects, but natural remedies can interact with certain medications. As with any new supplement, be sure to consult your doctor if you're currently being treated for a medical condition or if you're pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant. If you're planning to have surgery, you should stop taking maitake mushroom supplements at least two weeks before surgery. As mentioned before, maitake mushroom supplements may also impact blood sugar levels, so if you're a diabetic, you should be especially cautious.

Shop for maitake mushroom supplements at eVitamins today and save. Let us know how they work for you!

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